Overview & Core Concepts
Day 36 transitions the flock into Stage 6 (Pre-Harvest & Harvest Readiness). As birds reach heavy market weight, precision management shifts from accelerating daily gain to protecting carcass yield, minimizing transport stress, and synchronizing catching schedules with processing plant arrival windows.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Achieving optimal management targets requires strict adherence to environmental parameters.
Why This Matters
Inaccurate flock weight estimates cause severe market penalties from processing plants due to out-of-spec carcasses. Precise weight distribution data enables optimal truck scheduling and accurate feed inventory runout planning.
Execution Checklist
Observations & Key Indicators
Observe spacing, activity levels, and physical indicators:
Healthy Signs
- Even bird distribution across the floor with active feeding and drinking patterns.
- Dry, clean breast feathers free from ammonia burns or moisture staining.
- Flock uniformity above 80% with tight weight clustering around 2500g.
- Clear, bright eyes and vigorous response to farmer presence.
Warning Signs
- Flock uniformity dropping below 70% with high percentage of light runts.
- Footpad dermatitis or hock burns appearing due to late-stage litter dampness.
- Feed bin overfill that risks leftover medicated or finisher feed post-harvest.
Troubleshooting & Management Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
- Broiler Finisher Feed Standards
- Heat Stress Management & THI Index
- Harvest, Settlement & Batch Economics
Next Stage Handoff (Day 37)
Tomorrow, your operation reaches Day 37. The primary management objective will be:
Install portable catching partitions in 500–1000 bird sections, test all equipment winches, verify dim blue/red lighting functionality, and ensure unobstructed catching pathways.